Making TAFE competitive: creating an efficient and productive network of publicly funded providers that can compete effectively in the training market (Extract from ‘Objectives’ in the schedule to the Australian National Training Authority Act 1992)

A competitive training market is something that was mandated in the Australian National Training Authority Agreement. The case for such a market has neither been made nor debated publicly. However, its advocates have the power to impose it. In these circumstances, prudence demands that TAFE should prepare itself to operate in a market environment.

This discussion paper proposes that the framework for a VET system, and the participation of the TAFE sector within that system, should be based on:

a national VET quality assurance system which would safeguard the interests of clients;

conferring on TAFE institutions the same degree of independence as other training providers;

the establishment of a new national body - broadly representative of the major stakeholders - to provide advice on national directions, policy, and priorities.

The transition should be supported by a comprehensive package for TAFE of the kind that has been underwritten by the Commonwealth under its Labour Adjustment Programs. The LAP package would cover a number of integrated elements (including the development of a set of national competency standards for TAFE workers and delivering transitional staff development programs for all categories of TAFE staff) to facilitate the massive changes necessary to bring TAFE into a competitive training system. Show less